UEFA Champions League – Most Appearances Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Few achievements in football are as impressive as consistently competing at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League. While each season brings new rising stars and surprise performances, true greatness is measured by longevity in the tournament. Some players have managed to sustain excellence for over a decade, making history with their record-breaking appearances.
With that in mind, we take a closer look at the players who have played the most matches in Champions League history. From defensive legends to midfield maestros and goal-scoring icons, these are the 25 players who have left an indelible mark on Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
25. Paolo Maldini – 116 Matches
A symbol of AC Milan and Italian football, Paolo Maldini was the epitome of defensive excellence. The legendary left-back and center-back spent his entire career at Milan, winning five Champions League titles and showcasing his unmatched leadership and tactical intelligence.
24. Xabi Alonso – 119 Matches
A midfield maestro, Xabi Alonso was a key figure for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. His pinpoint passing and composure under pressure helped him secure Champions League victories with Liverpool in 2005 and Real Madrid in 2014.
23. David Alaba – 120 Matches
David Alaba has been a consistent presence in the Champions League, first with Bayern Munich and later with Real Madrid. A versatile defender capable of playing in multiple positions, Alaba has won multiple titles and continues to be a crucial player at the highest level.
22. Pepe – 120 Matches
Known for his aggressive and fearless defending, Pepe made a name for himself at Real Madrid, winning three Champions League titles. His no-nonsense style and leadership have made him a defensive stalwart for both club and country.
21. Roberto Carlos – 120 Matches
One of the most iconic left-backs in football history, Roberto Carlos was a key part of Real Madrid’s dominance in the early 2000s. Famous for his blistering pace and powerful free kicks, he lifted three Champions League trophies with Los Blancos.
20. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 124 Matches
Despite playing for several top clubs, including Barcelona, PSG, and AC Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimović never won the Champions League. However, his longevity, technical brilliance, and incredible goalscoring ability made him a dominant figure in European football for over two decades.
19. Paul Scholes – 124 Matches
A midfield genius, Paul Scholes was a cornerstone of Manchester United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson. His vision, passing range, and ability to score crucial goals helped United claim two Champions League titles in 1999 and 2008.
18. Gianluigi Buffon – 124 Matches
One of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, Gianluigi Buffon spent the majority of his career with Juventus. Despite reaching three finals, Buffon never lifted the Champions League trophy, but his incredible shot-stopping ability and leadership cemented his legacy.
17. Clarence Seedorf – 125 Matches
Clarence Seedorf holds a unique record as the only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs: Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. His intelligence, technical ability, and versatility made him a standout performer in every team he played for.
16. Gerard Piqué – 128 Matches
A defensive rock for Barcelona, Gerard Piqué was instrumental in their Champions League triumphs in 2009, 2011, and 2015. His composure on the ball and ability to read the game made him one of the best center-backs of his generation.
15. Robert Lewandowski – 129 Matches
One of the most prolific strikers in modern football, Robert Lewandowski was a key figure for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and now Barcelona. He won the Champions League with Bayern in 2020, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer that season.
14. Sergio Busquets – 129 Matches
A midfield general, Sergio Busquets played a crucial role in Barcelona’s tiki-taka dominance. His ability to control the tempo of a match and break up opposition attacks helped Barcelona secure multiple Champions League trophies.
13. Andrés Iniesta – 130 Matches
One of the most elegant midfielders in football history, Andrés Iniesta was at the heart of Barcelona’s golden era. His technical brilliance and ability to deliver in big moments helped Barça win four Champions League titles.
12. Luka Modrić – 139 Matches
Still going strong with Real Madrid, Luka Modrić has been a midfield maestro for over a decade. His playmaking skills and tactical intelligence have been instrumental in Real Madrid’s five Champions League triumphs during his tenure.
11. Raúl – 142 Matches
Raúl was the face of Real Madrid for over a decade, scoring crucial goals and leading the team to three Champions League titles. His natural finishing ability and leadership made him one of the greatest strikers in the competition’s history.
10. Sergio Ramos – 142 Matches
A warrior on the pitch, Sergio Ramos was a defensive leader for Real Madrid, helping them win four Champions League titles. His ability to score decisive goals, including his famous 2014 final equalizer, made him one of the most clutch players in UCL history.
9. Ryan Giggs – 145 Matches
A one-club legend, Ryan Giggs played his entire career at Manchester United, winning two Champions League titles. His longevity, adaptability, and dribbling ability made him a key player for United across multiple generations.
8. Manuel Neuer – 150 Matches
One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Manuel Neuer revolutionized the role with his “sweeper-keeper” style. He played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich’s two Champions League triumphs in 2013 and 2020.
7. Xavi – 151 Matches
The architect of Barcelona’s midfield, Xavi was the engine behind their tiki-taka dominance. His precise passing and football IQ made him one of the best playmakers in history, leading Barça to four UCL titles.
6. Toni Kroos – 151 Matches
A midfield maestro for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Toni Kroos is known for his incredible passing range and composure. He has been a key part of multiple Champions League-winning squads with Madrid.
5. Karim Benzema – 152 Matches
A striker who evolved into a complete forward, Karim Benzema was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, winning five Champions League titles. His ability to score and create for his teammates made him one of the best in the modern era.
4. Thomas Müller – 160 Matches
A Bayern Munich legend, Thomas Müller has been a consistent performer in the Champions League for over a decade. His intelligence, movement, and knack for scoring crucial goals helped Bayern lift two UCL trophies.
3. Lionel Messi – 163 Matches
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi dominated the Champions League with Barcelona. Winning four titles and breaking numerous records, his dribbling, finishing, and playmaking ability made him unstoppable.
2. Iker Casillas – 177 Matches
A legendary goalkeeper, Iker Casillas was Real Madrid’s last line of defense for over a decade. Winning three Champions League titles, his quick reflexes and leadership earned him a place among the competition’s greatest.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 183 Matches
The undisputed king of the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances and goals in the competition’s history. With five titles, countless match-winning performances, and a relentless drive for success, he remains the benchmark for greatness in European football.
